Acute appendicitis, marked by inflammation of the appendix, commonly presents as abdominal pain, initially vague and migrating to the right lower quadrant. The primary cause is often attributed to the obstruction of the appendix, frequently by fecal material or a foreign body. If left untreated, appendicitis may progress to rupture, leading to severe complications. Diagnosis involves clinical assessment, imaging, and laboratory tests. The standard treatment is appendectomy, either through open laparotomy or laparoscopy. Antibiotics may be an alternative in select cases. Early intervention is crucial to prevent complications and ensure a favorable outcome.
Introduction
- Acute appendicitis affects 8.6% of men and 6.7% of women in their lifetime. It’s crucial to remember that appendicitis can affect people of any gender and that there isn’t much of a difference in incidence between men and women.
- An inflammation of the appendix is called appendicitis, and it can be a serious medical emergency that needs to be treated right away despite the fact that humans of all ages may be affected, the ones among a long time of 10 and 30 are maximum probably to revel in it. Serious side effects, such as an appendix rupture or peritonitis, a dangerous infection of the abdominal cavity, can result from untreated appendicitis.
- Because of its state-of-the-art surgical equipment, highly skilled laparoscopic surgeons, and reasonably priced treatment packages, the city is known as a top healthcare destination for the treatment of appendicitis.
What is Appendicitis?
Definition and Causes
- Appendicitis is an irritation of the appendix, a small tube-like shape inside the lower right part of the stomach. Inflammation can cause pain and a variety of other symptoms, and if untreated can cause serious complications.
- Appendicitis, or contamination of the appendix, is commonly as a result of an obstruction of the outlet of the appendix (the lumen). The obstruction can take a number of forms, including hardened stool (fecaliths), enlarged lymphatic tissue in the appendix, or, less commonly, tumors or foreign body.
Symptoms
- Classic Signs:
- A sudden acute pain around your belly button which shifts lower right to the abdomen is a typical symptom of appendicitis which is an inflammation of the appendix and typically gets worse with movement, coughing, or pressure.
- Nausea, vomiting, and lack of urge for food are also symptoms that are commonly related to appendicitis, an irritation of the appendix. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite are typically the first signs present with appendicitis, especially abdominal pain.
- Appendicitis can cause illness in other ways, but common gastrointestinal signs/symptoms include fever/bloating and constipation vs diarrhoea.
- Warning
- Failure to treat appendicitis means the appendix can continue to swell and rupture and lead to peritonitis, an inflammation of the abdominal cavity, threatening your life. Peritonitis is serious and requires immediate intervention. Therefore, if you think you have appendicitis, it is important, that if developed and not spontaneous, that it is diagnosed and treated as soon as possible usually it is appendicitis, before it has a chance to develop serious complications. Appendectomy is the standard remedy for appendicitis.
Diagnosis
- Rebound tenderness (Blumberg’s signal) is a physical exam locating defined as pain upon the release of strain to the stomach this is extra extreme than feeling even as strain is applied.
- To diagnose appendicitis, a physician will use a combination of tests, blood tests, ultrasounds, CT scans, and a high white blood cell (WBC) count is one important finding.
Treatment Options for Appendicitis
A. Laparoscopic Appendectomy (Preferred Method)
- Laparoscopic appendectomy is a type of surgery that removes the appendix, which in cases of appendicitis, is inflamed, using a minimally invasive surgical approach.
- Benefits – There are many advantages of laparoscopic appendectomy compared to traditional open appendectomy, mainly because it is minimally invasive. These advantages include less pain, decreased recovery time, shorter length of hospital stay, and improved cosmetic outcome.
B. Open Appendectomy (For Complex Cases)
- An open appendectomy is casting off the appendix via a larger incision within the decrease proper stomach, in contrast to laparoscopic appendectomy.
- Open appendectomy means making an incision, separating abdominal muscles, finding and repairing the appendix, and then closing the incision. An open appendectomy will be performed if the surgical team is not able to do laparoscopic or if it is preferred.
C. Antibiotic Treatment (Rare Cases)
- Antibiotics should be an essential part of plans for the management of appendicitis, including pre- and post-appendectomy, as well as a potential alternative to surgery. Regarding uncomplicated appendicitis, antibiotics are typically given intravenously for some time and then transition to oral antibiotics.
Why Choose Dr. Patta Radhakrishna for Appendicitis Treatment?
A. Expert Surgeon
- Dr. Patta Radhakrishna is an excellent choice for the treatment of appendicitis because of his history of significant experience in surgical gastroenterology, including minimally invasive, and because of his patient-orientated approach.
- Dr. Patta Radhakrishna is a world-famed Surgical Gastroenterologist, Laparoscopic and robotic doctor with well over 3 a long time of enjoy. It is a world-renowned Surgical Gastroenterologist, Laparoscopic and Robotic surgeon with well over three decades of experience.
B. Advanced Technology
- Radhakrishna is a qualified robotic surgeon and has a fellowship in robotic surgery. He carries out robotic surgery of the stomach, gall bladder, colon and rectum in Chennai. Dr. Patta Radhakrishnan makes use of advanced technology and innovative techniques to entirely remove human error which provides smooth and accurate movements.
C. Patient-Centric Care
- Most patients consult Dr. Patta Radhakrishna for Laparoscopic Surgery, Treatment for Abdominal Pain, Intestine Surgery. He was the first to develop day care laparoscopic surgery in Chennai, and he allows patients to leave the hospital within 6 hours of having laparoscopic surgery for gall bladder stones or hernias.
D. Affordable Cost
- Transparent pricing and insurance support at a hospital allows patients to easily understand the costs for care, both what is being provided and how insurance will pay for it.
Step – by – Step Appendectomy Procedure
A. Pre-operative
- This is essentially the standard preparation for any appendectomy. The patient is anaesthesia-consulted, put on IV fluids, and allowed nothing by mouth for 6 to 8 hours. This prepares and reduces risks associated with anaesthesia and surgery.
B. Intraoperative
- General anaesthesia is the most common type of anaesthesia used in appendectomy to keep the patient asleep as well as ensure that the patient does not feel pain during surgery.
- A small cut surgical technique for taking out the appendix is known as a laparoscopic appendectomy. A laparoscope, that may be a narrow tube with a lens, and equipment for surgical treatment are established through several little openings.
- An open appendectomy involves accessing and removing the appendix through a single, larger incision in the lower right abdomen.
C.After Surgery
- Maximum patients can anticipate leaving the health center in a single to 2 days after a laparoscopic appendectomy. In certain situations, patients might even be allowed to return home the same day as the procedure.
- Antibiotics and painkillers are usually prescribed to patients after an appendectomy. Antibiotics are used to treat or prevent infections; the exact course of treatment depends on local antibiotic regulations and whether or not the appendix was ruptured. Initially, antibiotics are frequently given intravenously.
Recovery & Post – Op Care
A. First Week
- The first week after an appendectomy is dedicated to wound care, pain management, and a gradual increase in activity. It should get better every day, but expect some pain and discomfort, especially in the initial days.
- The diet slowly changes from clear fluids to simple foods and finally back to a normal diet after an appendectomy. To rehydrate and help the digestive system come back to normal, clear fluids are given first.
B. Long-Term Care
- Long-term care after an appendectomy focuses on proper wound care, pain management, returning to activity gradually and watching for problems.
- Going to follow-up visits eating well and drinking enough water is very important.
C. Warning Signs
- After an appendectomy, be sure to watch for any problems. A fever, more pain or swelling, redness or drainage where the cut was made, trouble urinating or having a bowel movement, nausea or vomiting that does not go away, trouble eating or drinking, or getting more tired should all be treated right away.
Appendicitis Surgery Cost in Chennai
- The type of surgery, hospital, and the doctor’s expertise in addition to the city contribute to the overall appendicitis surgery cost in Chennai which is normally between ₹50,000 and ₹1,50,000.
- Laparoscopic appendectomy costs anywhere from ₹50,000 to ₹1,20,000.
- Open appendectomy on average may be a bit cheaper but even then, it would typically range between ₹50,000 and ₹70,000.
- EMI plans and health insurance are typically offered to help with these expenses.
- Give us a call or whatsapp at +91 99409 22876. Make an appointment. Chennai-based surgical gastroenterologist, Dr. Patta Radhakrishna.
- To schedule a consultation with Dr. Patta Radhakrishnan online. You can schedule appointments in character or online at this health facility.
We Provide Best Appendicitis Treatment In Chennai
While Dr. Patta’s Gastro Centre offers comprehensive consultations and minor procedures, more advanced treatments and surgeries are conducted at MGM Malar Hospital, where Dr. Patta is available from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM daily. This ensures that patients receive the highest level of care, tailored to the severity of their condition, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and expert surgical teams.
FAQ
What does appendicitis pain feel like?
The pain from appendicitis often begins as a dull ache around the belly button. Over time, it shifts to the right lower side of the abdomen and becomes sharp and intense. The pain worsens with movement, coughing, or pressing on the area. This persistent pain is a key indicator of appendicitis.
How do you know when to go to the doctor for appendicitis?
- Sudden, severe right lower abdominal pain that persists or worsens.
- Associated symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fever, or loss of appetite.
- Tenderness in the abdomen when touched or during movement.
- Difficulty passing gas or stool.
- These symptoms strongly suggest appendicitis, and early attention and treatment is crucial to prevent complications.
Will appendicitis cause constipation?
Yes, appendicitis can sometimes lead to constipation. The inflammation in the appendix can affect nearby intestinal function, causing difficulty passing stool. However, constipation alone isn’t always a sign of appendicitis. If it is accompanied by abdominal pain and other appendicitis symptoms, consult a doctor promptly.
Will appendicitis cause back pain?
In some cases, appendicitis may cause back pain, especially if the inflamed appendix is located in an unusual position, such as behind the colon. This pain is typically felt in the lower back and may be mistaken for other conditions. If back pain occurs alongside other signs of appendicitis, such as nausea or abdominal discomfort, seek medical care.
How can I diagnose appendicitis at home?
While you cannot diagnose or rule out appendicitis at home, you can monitor your symptoms:
- Pay attention to the location and nature of abdominal pain (persistent and sharp pain on the right lower side of the abdomen is a major sign).
- Watch for associated symptoms like fever, nausea, and changes in bowel habits.
- Perform a light press-and-release test on your abdomen. Severe pain upon release (rebound tenderness) may indicate appendix inflammation symptoms and warrants immediate medical attention.
However, self-assessment is risky and not advisable. If symptoms are consistent with appendicitis, consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Is appendicitis surgery painful?
During the surgery itself, there is no pain as patients are under general anesthesia. After the procedure, patients may experience mild to moderate discomfort near the surgical site. This pain is manageable with prescribed medications and typically subsides within a few days. Recovery from laparoscopic surgery tends to involve less pain compared to open surgery.
What are appendicitis symptoms in females?
Appendicitis symptoms in females can overlap with other conditions, such as ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy, or pelvic inflammatory disease. Common signs include:
- Sharp pain in the right lower abdomen, especially during movement or pressing the area.
- Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
- Low-grade fever and digestive changes like constipation or diarrhea.
Females experiencing these symptoms should seek a proper medical evaluation to confirm whether the issue is related to the appendix or another reproductive condition.
